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The beautiful people of Kiribati are threatened by the seas. These 32 atolls are around the Equator, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands. First sighted by British Captain Gilbert in 1788.

I’m part of a delegation that is an initiative of the Edmund Rice Centre, that works in partnership with the low lying Pacific Island countries to find a global solution for a sustainable future.

We’re leaving Sydney on 30 August for a week and visit communities on the islands of Tarawa and Abaiong. We will meet the President Anote Tong and the Australian High Commissioner, visiting schools and kids.

I hope to extend friendship and support.

Susanne Gervay and Jennie Orchard with Room to Read

The Edmund Rice Centre brought forward the brilliant initiative of an event about the power of story to engage young people in social justice. The auditorium was full, the stands representing Fair Trading, the Pacific Islands and Room to Read bringing literacy to the children of the developing world were there.

The speakers were passionate, committed and had the audience moved and ready to act for eco justice and human rights.

Melina Marchetta, Nadia Wheatley, Maria Boyd, Libby Hathorn, Libby Gleeson advocated for human rights through their stories.

Lynette Riley a Wiradjuri & Kamilaroi woman, Deputy Director of the Koori Centre, was especially powerful in her advocacy for the indigenous. Robin Morrow spoke about the power of literature to enrich and inform.

Mark Raue is working to save the Pacific Islands from drowning with climate change , a founding member of the Pacific Calling Partnership sang for social justice and ecology. I loved his songs.

Mark Raue

I spoke about my emotional experience talking about ‘Butterflies’ at the World Burn Congress in New York. The audience responded with tears and a commitment to engagement with those who face the challange of disability.

It was wonderful. All wonderful

Susanne Gervay's Butterflies